Pereira wins Cal State Fair in prep for college season

In a field dominated by college players preparing for the upcoming season, Corey Pereira continued his West Coast dominance by winning the California State Fair Amateur on Labor Day.

Pereira, who won the Pacific Coast Amateur in July, shot a final-round 5-under 67 at MacKenzie Golf Club at Haggin Oaks in Sacramento for a 16-under 200 total and two-shot victory over Jonathan De Los Reyes, the 36-hole leader.

Pereira, 19, of Cameron Park, Calif., knew exactly where he stood on the 17th hole. He had a one-shot lead, but that disappeared quickly as Reyes sank a 30-footer for eagle. Pereira made birdie, and the two headed to the final hole tied.

Pereira, a Washington sophomore, has been working on his mental game during the past six months, particularly when standing over a putt. So when it came down to the wire Monday, Pereira stepped up and sank a 20-footer for birdie to win the 90th championship.

“In my eyes, I’m just playing really good golf right now,” Pereira said. “I go out and just try to win every golf tournament.”

In his first season with the Huskies, Pereira posted four top-10 finishes and earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors.

He hopes his play this summer carries into the college season and can help the 15th-ranked Huskies contend for a national championship in the spring.

“Practice, patience and a solid mental routine will be key in doing that,” he said.

Bill Walbert couldn't make his qualifier for the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship. Luckily, his partner Brent Grant shot 9-under 63 playing his own ball to earn the pair a trip to The Olympic Club next year.

Teen qualifies for U.S. Am Four-Ball without partner

Brent Grant, 18, qualified for the 2015 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship without his partner.
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Photo Courtesy of Hawaii State Golf Association
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At Royal Melbourne Golf Club, a handful of Australians are taking advantage of having the Asia-Pacific Amateur move south to their homeland. Two Aussies lead the field, and five more are T-11 or better.